Gerald Aponte

Gerald M. Aponte, 82, passed unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep at his home in Farmingdale, NJ on July 13, 2025. Born on December 2, 1942, to Louise Martin and Henri Stumpf in Noumea, New Caledonia, “Jerry” came to the United States in 1945 with his mother and infant sister, Linda, on a Navy transport ship. They landed in San Francisco and traveled by train to reunite with Louise’s husband, John Aponte, in Bronx, New York, following John’s service in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. The family relocated to Ocean Grove, NJ in 1953, which he considered ‘home’. He was a graduate of Neptune High School, Class of 1961. After moving to North Arlington, NJ with his own young family in 1961, Jerry’s long and distinguished career in public service began when he became a firefighter with the North Arlington Volunteer Fire Department in 1962. His life in law enforcement started at the Borough of North Arlington in 1966. He rose through the ranks from patrolman to Chief of Police in 1986. During this time, he completed two degrees and a multitude of certifications and trainings, including: a BS in Criminal Justice from Mercy College, an MS in Social Sciences from Long Island University, and the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development and Criminal Justice Management programs in Quantico, VA. He was also a graduate of the 116th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy in 1979; less than 1% of law enforcement personnel worldwide are selected to attend. He was an instructor at the Bergen and Essex Counties Police Academies, helping launch many careers. In 1990, Jerry became Chief of Police in Rolling Meadows, IL, and in 1995 assumed the additional role of City Manager. Among his many contributions there, perhaps his proudest was the development of the Police Neighborhood Resource Center, which started as an experiment and evolved into one of the most successful community policing programs in the country. He created a national model for integrating law enforcement into the community to prevent crime. The PNRC brought resources to a largely Mexican immigrant population in suburban Chicago. The PNRC offered ESL classes, a domestic violence program, homework help for children, and free medical services for low-income residents. Jerry was widely embraced by this community he supported. In 1998, he moved to Manchester, CT in order to be closer to family, and assumed the role of Chief of Police. Retiring from this department in 2003, Jerry joined the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team as Chief of Iraqi Training Unit in Baghdad from 2004-2005 during the Second Persian Gulf War. He was deeply invested in the unit’s work to professionalize the Baghdad Police and loved the Iraqi people. His unit was housed at the Al Sadeer in Baghdad when the hotel was attacked in 2005, during breakfast. He reembraced his Catholicism after this event, and often joked he was “just trying to get to purgatory” during his lifetime. His family is certain he got a pass straight to the good place. Jerry was incredibly proud of his career and was a master storyteller who could talk to anyone with genuine interest. He was also an avid fisherman, motorcycle and car enthusiast, bespoke dollhouse maker, and community handyman who loved travel and history. He was beyond devoted to his family and is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jacqueline Aponte; his daughters, Lesley (Gerry) de Labry, Sharon Aponte, and Barbara (Frank) Comer; his stepchildren, Carin (Robert) Bartels, Diane Bradley, and Robert (Susan) Strack; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; his sister, Joelle Aponte (Ed Kolling); many nieces and nephews; his large extended family in New Caledonia; and so many friends far and wide. He leaves a void in our lives that will be impossible to fill. He was predeceased by his parents, and his sisters Linda (Charles) Keenan and Carlyn Aponte. Per Jerry’s request, there will be no services or funeral. We ask that you remember him for the brilliant friend and mentor he was, and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. The number of lives he touched is evident from the countless stories being shared with us, and we appreciate them all.

Gerald Aponte

December 2, 1942 - July 13, 2025